Local Needle Artist's Work Celebrated

On November 21 and 22, 2014 from 10 am to 5 pm Historic Yellow Springs in Chester Springs, PA, in conjunction with the Philadelphia Chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America (PAC EGA), will host an exhibit and sale of the needlework of local teacher, needle artist and late PAC EGA member Jane McVey Campbell.

Miss Campbell, a career home economics teacher at Paxon Hollow Middle School and a member of Sellers Memorial Methodist and Lima United Methodist Churches, left her extensive collection of finished needlework to the PAC EGA in her will. Consisting of needlepoint, cross stitch, crewel and quilting, as well as several of her beloved quirky sweatshirts, this collection will be offered for exhibit and sale to her friends and the community at large.

An example of her work is a memorial tribute to her parents. Jane’s description of its creation is quoted in an article by PAC EGA member and long time friend Dee Bodell: “An only child, Jane remained exceptionally close to her parents. What follows is an account in her own words of her creation of a surface stitched sampler which paid tribute to her parents. Her work reveals a tender soul in love with her parents’ memories. I was privileged to have her in my class - her testimony in her own handwriting regarding her sampler is worth sharing.

‘After the interesting and, for me, inspiring program Dee Bodell presented to EGA, I knew that I would plan and stitch a sampler. I was still mourning the death of my Mother and a sampler of this kind seemed to be a form of therapy. The day after our EGA meeting, I drove to Providence, RI, with my mind clicking with ideas which I tried to jot down. None of these were legible. By the time I reached Providence, the sampler had begun to take shape (in my mind) At home, I graphed the sampler, chose the colors, and worked a doodle sampler, only to discover the results with wool were not what I wanted. When I switched to DMC floss and blended colors, the results were more what I had pictured in my mind. I began stitching and could not stop. It had to be done. It is hard to describe my emotions, but it was something that needed doing. Tears (were) shed and so was some of my grief. I felt a wonderful sense of relief and peace.

To explain the sampler: The roses at the top represent the York Rose—both my parents—in fact, most of my ancestors were from York County, PA. I am of Scottish and Swiss background so Inveraray Castle, the home of my 5x great grandfather and an Alpine scene where my 8x great grandfather was married in 1570. The Gaelic statement translates. “We shall meet.” My home—the bay window was a real challenge—the roof is not thatched—it just stitched like thatch. The 30 Psalm Verse 5 helped me through my Mother’s last months of illness. Even though I have the chart, I could never do this again. The need to do something like this has passed and it is my most cherished embroidery.’”

We hope that all who knew Miss Campbell will join us to pay tribute to this talented teacher and needlewoman. Described by all as a kind and fun loving person, she will be missed by all who knew her. Admission to this event is $10. Half the proceeds from admission will benefit Historic Yellow Springs. Site docents will be available to provide tours and building information upon request. The remainder of the admissions as well as the proceeds of the sale will be used to fund an EGA needlework scholarship in Jane’s name. An exhibit catalog will be available on the Philadelphia Chapter website, www.philaega.org.

The Embroiderers Guild of America is an educational organization dedicated to promoting needlework. The Philadelphia Chapter invites interested needleworkers to join us the fourth Wednesday of every month for our membership meeting. We are open to needleworkers of all experience levels, and offer lectures, classes, and seminars. The first two meetings are free; there is an annual membership fee after that, which comes with local and national newsletters and access to member only classes and discounts at crafting stores.

For more information on Historic Yellow Springs and directions to the site, please check www.yellowsprings.org.